Seeing the World in Two Languages

You Mean We Have to Change Our Whole Schedule?

I have been thinking a lot about how our schedules will change when M starts kindergarten. I can’t believe this is actually happening so soon! Sure, it’s only January and it will happen in September, but I am sure this year will fly by just like the last one did. Right now, our schedule is pretty great. We worked very hard to have a set schedule and daily routines to help our kids feel secure and focused on the day to day activities. Here is what our weeks are like:

Monday & Wednesday: Spanish

Tuesday & Thursday: Preschool (or what they like to call English school.)

Friday: Piano

Saturday: Gymnastic

Sunday: Rest

All of these activities happen before nap time. We carefully planned them that way. Other than preschool, the classes are an hour or less that way they do not get overworked. They still get plenty of time to play AND take a nice 2 hour nap. What in the world am I going to do when M HAS to be in school from 7:45am – 2:45pm Monday through Friday? I know it will be a very hard adjustment for him as well as for T. T still very much needs his naps. I mean we turn into Grumpy McGrumperson if we don’t. It’s not a pretty sight. Even if he is not the one that will be in school, we will have to push his nap quite a bit. M, I think will adjust a bit easier because he will be with friends and will probably not notice what time it is.

This will work itself out, but what about my perfectly crafted schedule? When will they go to their Spanish class? I wrote before about how it is a lifesaver for me because it is a structured class with a real teacher (not just mama trying to trying to get them to love my language). They respect the teacher and are excited every week to go to class. They sing songs and tell me all about their class, plus they can’t wait to teach papa what they learn as well. And what about piano? Oh my goodness! What’s a mama to do!

I may be worrying for nothing, but this will be a new journey for me and I don’t think I am prepared. Should I get rid of naps for both? Should I schedule classes right after school? Should I bring them home, have them nap for an hour or so and then schedule a class before dinner? All advice would be appreciated.

If you have older children, will you be willing to share what your days look like? How old were your kids when they stopped napping? Did they still nap when they started kinder? I’d love to know your thoughts.